Trump stands firm on AP access restrictions over Gulf name dispute

Wednesday 19 February 2025 - 10:10

President Donald Trump reaffirmed his decision to limit The Associated Press' (AP) access to White House events until the news outlet acknowledges his renaming of the Gulf of Mexico as the “Gulf of America.” Speaking from his Mar-a-Lago estate, Trump justified the move as a presidential response to the AP’s refusal to adopt the new terminology, which he claims is a patriotic gesture.

The AP, along with other major outlets like The New York Times and The Washington Post, has continued to use “Gulf of Mexico,” a name that has been in place for over four centuries. In contrast, Fox News Channel adopted Trump's terminology, while Axios modified its reference to include both names.

This controversy highlights the broader tensions between the White House and traditional media outlets. Trump criticized the AP for what he described as the misuse of language and ideological bias, particularly in its Stylebook, which is influential among journalists worldwide. He also expressed dissatisfaction with the AP’s coverage of his administration, framing the dispute as part of his ongoing criticism of the media.

In response, the AP defended its editorial stance, calling the situation a matter of free speech and government interference in journalistic independence. As the situation evolves, the White House’s stance on media relations continues to affect how news organizations interact with the administration.